Dallas Cowboys fans at the draft. Credit: Mandi Wright / USA TODAY NETWORK

2 Star Players Highlighted In Dallas Cowboys Trade Rumors Ahead Of The Draft

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Apr 11, 2026 8:40 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the busiest teams in the NFL during the 2026 offseason. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Lone Star went out and signed and traded players to bolster its ranks.

The defense was the biggest issue to address after it allowed the most points in franchise history (511). Dallas parted ways with Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator, while adding intriguing pieces, such as safety Jalen Thompson, cornerback Cobie Durant and defensive end Rashan Gary.

The upcoming NFL draft will offer them more chances to improve the roster. With two first-round picks, they could make a splash and land two solid prospects for 2026.

Dallas Cowboys Linked With 2 Top Defensive Prospects In 2026 Draft

Jerry Jones (Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

The Cowboys could also use one of those picks to move up the draft order and select a better prospect. ESPN’s Jordan Reid suggested that they could select Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. or Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

“Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there’s a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad,” Reid wrote. “Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense.”

Dallas needs some playmakers on defense and either of these could serve that purpose. Bain tallied 121 total tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks and four forced fumbles with Miami. Downs is dubbed one of the best safety prospects in the league in recent years. He recorded 150 tackles, eight pass break-ups and four interceptions in two seasons at Ohio State.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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